Jonathan Hernandez figures if he is going to drive, he had better know how to fix cars. But the 23-year-old does not intend to put his community college credentials [in auto repair] to use as a career. He plans instead to become a tattoo artist. Such are the challenges for auto dealers and repair shops looking to recruit the repair technicians of tomorrow. The worry is whether there will be enough younger workers in a few years as a wave of midcareer mechanics hits retirement age.Source: USA Today

NADA Used Car Guide will add manufacturer-certified used-vehicle retail values to its guide book, effective Sept. 1. Jonathan Banks, an analyst with NADA guide, says the values reflect the typical premium added to the retail value of a used vehicle that is sold under a factory-certified used-vehicle program at a franchise new-car dealership. The values will be especially helpful for dealers and lenders securing financing for their certified used-vehicle customers, he says. That's because
lenders typically don't allow a premium for certification when they finance certified used-vehicles, which results in the customer having to make a larger down payment.Source: Automotive News

Ford Motor Co., the second-largest U.S. automaker, said it expects to maintain the sales pace for its Focus compact car, which outsold the Toyota Corolla to be the world’s best-selling car in the first six months this year.Source: Bloomberg

The Federal Trade Commission has announced updated fees for sellers and telemarketers accessing phone numbers on the National Do-Not-Call (“DNC”) Registry. Beginning Oct. 1 and ending Sept. 30, 2013, sellers and telemarketers will pay $58, an increase of $2, for access to the DNC Registry phone numbers in a single area code, up to a maximum charge of $15,962 for all area codes nationwide, an increase from the previous maximum of $15,503. Sellers and telemarketers will pay a $1
increase of $29 per area code for numbers they subscribe to receive during the second half of the 12-month subscription period. Click here for more information from the FTC.Source: NADA Legal and Regulatory Affairs

Automaker Kia is bringing the hip-hop hamsters back for yet another campaign for the Soul, its hit small crossover. The new TV spot, in which the hamsters show up at a ballet performance to add a little gusto, airs on MTV on Sept. 6 after a run in theaters. Like past spots, it's aimed at youthful culture vultures who are prime targets for the highly styled Soul.Source: USA Today

Five out of 21 hotels reserved for the NADA Convention and Expo, Feb. 8-11, in Orlando, Fla., have already sold out. They include the Westin, Hilton, Peabody, Embassy Suites and JW Marriott. The Rosen Center is nearly sold out. NADA members (dealers and managers) are encouraged to register by Sept. 14 to take advantage of early-bird registration rates (a $100 savings from the onsite rate) and book the hotel of choice. To register, visit www.nadaconventionandexpo.com.

For more information on NADA, visit www.nada.org or contact NADA, 8400 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102. This email may contain an advertisement of NADA products and services. Any opinions or statements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the views of NADA. Factual errors are the responsibility of the listed publication. If you are a franchised new-car or -truck dealer and would like to become a member of NADA, please visit the Join NADA section of www.nada.org. Questions or comments concerning NADA Headlines content may be directed to publicaffairs@nada.org .